hautau



Sept. 15, 1959 A. HAu'rAu INDEXING MACHINE 6 Sl xeets-Sheet OriginalFiled June 14, 1951 INVENTOR. ZLEWA'ZLY/V A. #407140 Sept. 15, 1959 A.HAUTAU INDEXING MACHINE 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed June 14, 1951INVENTOR. ZLEWELLV/V A. HAL TAU ATTOR 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 L. A. HAUTAUINDEXING MACHINE INVENTOR. L LEWELL Y 4. 191074 By W Arrow 5% rllllllSept. 15, 1959 Original Filed June 14, 1951 Sept, 15, 1959 L. A. HAUTAU24,700

INDEXING MACHINE Original Filed June 14, 1951 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR.L l. EWEZL Y A. 664 (/7740 JTTOIQIVEY Sept. 15, 1959 1.. A. HAUTAUINDEXING momma e sheets-sheet 5 Original Filed June 14, 1951 INVENTOR.4. HA 0771!] LL fi l 14 Y/V ATTORNEY P 1959 L. A. HAUTAU Re. 24,700

mnsxmc MACHINE 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Original Filed June 14, 1951 INVENTOR.LL EWELL m All/10720 mm @4 4 4 T TOR/Vt Y United States Patent OfiliceRe. 24,700 Reissued Sept. 15, 1959 INDEXING MACHINE Llewellyn AlwinHautau, Detroit, Mich, assignor of onehalf to Charles F. Hautau,Detroit, Mich.

Original No. 2,627,647, dated February 10, 1953, Serial No. 231,593,June 14, 195 1. Application for reissue February 9, 1955, Serial No.487,231

6 Claims. c1. 74-822) This invention relates to power tools and hasparticular reference to a machine for indexing a multiplicity of workstations in a production operation or the like.

An object of the invention is to provide an indexing machine which ispropelled by a constant source of power, with means interposed betweenthe source of power and the indexing table for accelerating anddecelerating the table and locking the indexing device in predeterminedpositions.

Previous indexing mechanism which have been known to the public, such asthose employing a Geneva drive, hydraulic cylinders, or solenoids,produce widely spaced peaks and valleys of stress in the mechanism, sothat the acceleration and deceleration of the moving mass was difficultto control, with the result that the indexing operations werecomparatively slow, jerky, and highly variable in results.

An object of the invention is to obviate the difiiculties inherent inprevious devices of this character and to provide an indexing mechanismwhich is constructed and arranged so that the full operating load iscarried on the mechanism at all times, thereby eliminating the delaysand lags ordinarily occasioned in the use of previous machines.

Another object of the invention is to provide an indexing device whichis constructed and arranged so that the period of dwell may be varied tomeet the requirements of the operations to be indexed. This isaccomplished by use of an automatic clutch and brake arrangement whichare actuated by limit switches which are cam controlled within theindexing mechanism.

Another object of the invention is to provide an indexing mechanism inwhich the work holders are mounted on a ring-like rotatable member whichoperates with a minimum of inertia.

Another object of the invention is to provide an indexing device whichis constructed with a stationary center and a comparatively thin flatring-like member rotatable about the stationary center.

Another object of the invention is to provide an indexing device whichis constructed with a stationary center with an overhanging rotatableannular table, concentric therewith, and arranged so that work may beperformed on said table from all angles.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device of the characterindicated, which is constructed and arranged so that the table may bedriven by a constant source of energy through a mechanical train whichincludes a system of cams, each having a constant load thereon duringits part of the cycle.

Another object of the invention is to provide an indexing device ofthecharacter indicated which is constructed and arranged so that it canbe alternately moved and be locked against movement with a minimum ofshock.

Another object of the invention is to provide an indexing mechanism ofthe character indicated which is constructed and arranged so that apower stroke of approximately 210 may be employed as against an averagepower stroke of approximately as in conventional mechanisms. This alsoenables the machine to limit its return operation to approximately 90.

Another object of the invention is to provide an indexing mechanismwhich is constructed and arranged so that a predetermined dwell may beaccomplished at each end of a cycle. This permits the engagement,locking, and removal of the locking member when the device is in aneutral position.

Another object of the invention is to provide an indcxing mechanismwhich is constructed and arranged so that there is a positive control ofthe annular table by the engagement of a lock-pin while the driving gearis still in mesh and Vice versa.

Another object of the invention is to provide an indexing mechanismwhich is constructed and arranged so that a uniform degree of movementof the work holder to be indexed will be affected.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention willbecome more apparent as the description proceeds, reference being madefrom time to time to the accompanying drawings forming part of thewithin disclosure, in which drawings:

Fig; 1 is a perspective view of the indexing device embodying theinvention, with production machine elements attached thereto at variousindexing stations.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view of the device shownin Fig. 1, and illustrating the driving motor and the flywheelarrangement.

Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially on the line3-3 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 4 is a vertical section taken on the line 44 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a vertical section taken substantially on the line 5-5 of Fig.3.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary detail in section taken substantiallyon line 66 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 7 is a vertical section taken line 7-7 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 8 is a transverse section the line 88 of Fig. 7.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, it will be understoodthat in the embodiment herein disclosed, the reference character 11indicates the base of the machine, which is provided with an aperturedflange whereby it may be secured to the floor. The base 11 is providedwith a top on which is a flat surface which is adapted to engage thecasting 13 which houses the principal parts of the indexing machine. Thehousing 13 has a centrally positioned depending pilot section 14 (Fig.4) which is adapted to engage a cut-out portion or pilot hole in theupper flat surface of the base. The pilot is locked in position by meansof a tie rod 14-A which extends upward through the center of the castingand the drive shaft hereinafter described. Secured to the base 11 byWelding or other suitable means as at 15 are supporting arms or brackets16 and 17 which are adapted to support the production machine elements18 and 19, which in this embodiment are horizontal drill heads, whichare driven by electric motors 20 and 21, which are electrically operatedthrough the leads 22 and 23, which are connected to limit switchescontrolled by the indexing machine as hereinafter described.

'Mounted on the housing 13 is a centrally positioned substantially onthe taken substantially on heavy plate 24 (Fig. 4) which remainsstationary at all times. The plate '24 is preferably secured to thehousing 13 by machine screws and dowels (not shown). The pi'at'e'24"serves as a top cover member for the housing 13 and also serves as ameans for anchoring the ends of several shafts and other moving partshereinafter described. The plate 24may also se'rve as a base or' a solidcenter support for a column (not shown) or other means for mountingother types of working heads or production machines. 1; t

outer periphery of the plate 24 is provided with a raceway 25 in whichis mounted a plurality of ball bearings 2 6 which support the rotatablering or table 27, on which is adapted to be mounted the work holders orfixture 28 which are intended to be rotated and indexed into position,so that work may be done upon the pieces held therein in successivemanner by'the drill heads 18 and 19 (Fig. 1). A cover plate 29 issuperimposed on the plate 24 and is adapted to serve as a seal to keepdirt and foreign substances out of the moving parts of the device. Theplate 29 is provided on its under surface with a groove3l) '(Fig. 7)which is adapted to accommodate a ring '31 formed on the table '27. Thisalso serves as a seal to prevent dirtand the like from entering theWorking parts of theindexing machine and prevents oil from working outof the device. overload of the table 27 onthebearing 26 is picked up bythe flange 32 forming part of the housing 13. It will be understood thatthe clearance between the member 27 and flange 32 is very small and isprovided with suitable lubrication. The table 27, is intentionallyprovided with an overhanging lip which permits the use of other elementsbeneath it, and also provides room for the attachment thereto of otherelements which it might be desired to drive or motivate by the rotationof the table'itself as a prime mover. The table 27m ns: 4, and '7)isprovided with an internal ring gear 33 which is' adapted to be drivenby a pinion 34 (Fig. 7!); which is slidable on a stationary shaft 35.The pinion 34 has attached thereto a grooved collar 36, wherebyitisinoved, vertically" on the shaft 35, by means of a rocker arm 37,(Ei'gf 5) which'is pivoted as at 38, on which pivot it is rocked bymeans of the beveled gears 39 and 4Q, the latterbeing actuated by meansof cycloidal cams [40] '41 and 41A(Fi"gs. 4, 7 and 8) which cams arekeyed to the drive shaft 42, the latter being rotated by means of gears'43 'and44. The corn follower rollers 41 B,rrn ci 41 -C ride on the cams41 and 41A, respective 1y; Th'cahi follower rollers '4I-B arid 41-C arepivoted at either end t0 the bell bran/q 41.-D. )1 gear segment 40 iscarried by the bell crank il -D f [The cams, 41 and 4 1 -A, respectivelyride on cam follower rollers, 41 -B and 41-C', which are pivoted ateither end t0 the bell crank 41 D, which carries a gear segment 40;],The bell crarikj'41-D is pivoted at 414E. Upon the travel of the rollers41 B and'41-C over the cams 41 and 41-A a reciprec ating motion is giventothe'rocker arm 37 which moves the "pinion 34 and the shot pin 62 intoand out of engagement'with the table 27. 'l V i A beveled gear 44 iscarried at the end of a shaft 45, which extends horizontally into theclutch housing 46, where it isfkeyed to the drivenclu'tch member 47(Fig.

4). The-other driving member 48 of the clutch being.

carried by 'a's'h aft 49 which" is supported in a suitable bearing 50,forming part of the clutch housing 46. The shaft 4Qis rotated'by meansof a grooved flywheel, 51,

which in t frri'isr'otated by V-belts 52" (Fig. 1) which in.

turn arejdriven by the electric drive motor 53 through ,the pulleys54,The drive shaft 45 (Fig. 4) is provided with a braking member 55, whichis'secured to the clutch.

member 47. arid'is adapted to engage a stationary brake member 56secured to theclutch housing 46. The clutching andfbr'akin'g membersjust described comprise parts of,

a conventional Warner eleet'ric'clutch and brake assembly.

and form" no part of 'the invention, except as combined with the otherelementsiherein described. The electric motor '53 is supportedby,suitable brackets 57 (Fig. 4

which are carried on the clutch housing 46. The shaft 45 rotates insuitable bearings 58, 59 and 60. As previously indicated, the pinion 34is slidable on the shaft 35 under the influence of the rocker arm 37.The opposite end of the arm 37 is adapted to engage a slot 61 formed inthe shot pin 62, which is slidable in suitable bearings 63, carried bythe housing 13. The shot pin 62 is adapted to engage a series ofsuitable bores 64-A formed in the underside of the table 27 and isadapted to lock the table 27 against rotation while work is being doneon the Work pieces carried in the fixtures 28 One of the importantfeatures of the invention resides in the fact that either the pinion 34,or the 8110i Pin 62, is in engagement with the rotatable table 27 at alltimes. At a certain neutral point in the cycle both the pinion 34 andshot'p'in 62 are in engagement with the table 27, and as soon as eitherbecomes disengaged, the other becomes fully engaged, so that there is apositive control at all times of the rotation of the table 27. Thepinion 3,4 is rotated by means of a gear sector 64 (Figs. 3 and 7) withwhich it is in constant slidable mesh. The gear sector 64 is carried atthe end of a bell crank 65 (Fig. 3) which is pivoted on a shaft 66,which is secured near the bottom a bearing 67 carried in the housing 13and at'the top in the bearing 68 carried in the plate 24. It will beunderstood that the pinion 34 and the gear sector are always inengagement, whereas the engageof the pinion 34 with the ring gear 33 isintermittent. It being understood, however, that when the shot piii 62is in'fnll engagement with the table 27, the pinion will be out ofengagement with the ring gear 33. The movemeni ofthe bell crank 55 withits gear segment 64 is controlled by means of a pair of cycloidal cams69 and 70Ii'Figsf6i and7) which cams 69 and 70 are secured to the maindrive shaft 42 by means of a crank pin 71 and the shaft extension 72 androtate therewith. It will befnotedthat the cams 69 and 70 are containedWithin an opening 65A in the bell crank 65, and respectively contact thecam rollers 73 and. 74 (Figs. 3 and 6). The camro'llers 73 and'74 aresecured to the bell crank 65 by riieans of pins 75 and 76. It will beunderstood that there is a. full driving load carried on the cams 69 and70, the bell crank 65, and the pinion 34, at all times whether thepinion 34 is in driving engagement With the ring gear 33 or on thereturn portion of the cycle. It will befurther. understood that thedriving portion of the cam 69 operates through approximately 210 of itsmotion whereas the return portion of the cam 70- operates only dui ingthe course of approximately of its rotation. This enables me to use aconsiderably longer power stroke and a considerably shorter returnstroke than has been possible in indexing devices heretofore known tothe pub lic. It also enables me to employ controlled dwelling periodsateither end of the cycle so that I can positively loek thetable 27againstrotation, and have SllfilClCIlt time to release the [shock] sho tpin 62 from the table 27 at the beginning and endof the production workoperation. With this; ntrolleddwelling period, I am able to engagethedrivihg pinion" 34 with the ring gear 33 of the table 27, and at'thesame time disengage the [shock] shot pin 62., from the table 27 inproperly timed sequences.

L liniit switch 77 (Figs. 7 and 8 is adapted to be actuatedlbyian indent78 forrnedton the shaft 66 and serves todeclutchhth e flywheel 51andenergizes the brake 56 as p reviously described, at the end of thereturnstroke of the sector 64 .wl1ichdrives the pinion 34. The second 79is adapted to be tripped by means of a cam SQfl-iigr 8) carried on thepivot pin 38, upon which the arrr1 37 adapted to rock. The limit switch79 fund tions to start, the work, operation between thedrilling heads 18and 19, when the index, operation is fully complated.-

A; typical ,workcycle of the, machine is described as follows:

When the master switch (not shown), which is in series with the limitswitches of the working head is closed, a circuit is completed throughthe brake and clutch elements which engages the flywheel 51, which inturn engages the shaft 45. The rotation of the shaft 45 causes rotationof the beveled gear 44 which in turn drives the main drive shaft 42through the beveled gear 43. The rotation of the main drive shaft 42also causes the rotation of the cams 41 and 41-A, the movement of whichrocks the bell crank 41-D [4lB], causing a rocking of the arm 37 throughthe beveled gear chain 39 and 40. The rocking of the arm 37 disengagesthe shot pin 62 from the table 27, at the same time causes the elevationof the pinion 34- into engagement with the ring gear 33 on the table 27.During the action just described, the power cams 69 and 70 were in thedwell position. At the termination of the work stroke of the cams 40 and41-A, the power earns 69 and 70 start their work, and the bell crank 65with its gear segment 64 commences its power :stroke. Movement of thebell crank 65 and gear segment 64, which at all times is in mesh withthe pinion 34, which pinion 34 is now in mesh with the ring gear 33 ofthe table, causes the table to rotate from one indexing position to thenext. Upon the completion of the work stroke of the bell crank 65 thepower earns 69 and 70 enter the dwell position, during which dwellposition the cams 41 :and 41-A then start their work position, causingthe rock- ?ing of the bell crank 41-D, which causes the pinion 34 Itomove downwardly and out of engagement with the :ring gear 33 on thetable 27 and simultaneously there- 'with moving the shot pin 62 into itslocking position with the table 27. At the completion of the powerstroke of the earns 69 and 70, the limit switch 79 also completes thecircuit, starting the electric motors controlling the working heads.This enables the working heads to start their operation before thereturn stroke of the power earns '69 and 70. [The power earns 69 and 70,the limit switch '79 also completes is comparatively shorter than thepower stroke] Upon the completion of the return stroke of the cams 69and 70 the limit switch 77 is actuated by the indent 78 in the shaft 66.This de-energizes the brake and completes the cycle.

Having described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure byLetters Patent is:

1. An indexing machine comprising in combination, a rotatable [annular]table, a [constant] source of power [for said table means forintermittently connecting said table to said power source], a ring gearon said table, [locking means for holding said table against rotationwhen said power source is not connected to said table], a gear trainarranged to connect said power source with said ring gear, said trainincluding a pinion gear which slidingly reciprocates in an axialdirection so as to alternately connect said ring gear with said powertrain and disconnect said ring gear from said power train and a gearsegment which is reciprocated about its axis so as to reciprocate saidpinion, [said power source communicating with said table through a trainwhich includes a ring gear on said table, and a rotatable driving pinionarranged to slidably engage and disengage said ring gear] and lockingmeans for holding said table against rotation when said power source isnot connected to said table.

2. An indexing machine comprising in combination, a rotatable [annular]table, a [constant] source of power for said table, means forintermittently connecting said table to said power source, locking meansfor holding said table against rotation when said power source is notconnected to said table, said power source communicating with said tablethrough a train which includes a ring gear on said table, and arotatable driving pinion arranged to slidably engage and disengage saidring gear, there being a locking pin arranged to engage and disengageopenings formed in said annular table, said locking pin and said drivingpinion being mounted for opposite motion into and out of engagement withsaid table.

6 [3. An indexing machine comprising in combination, a base having acentrally positioned, upstanding, stationary member, an annular tablerotatable about said stationary member and supported thereby, a ringgear on said table, a driving pinion arranged for slidably engaging anddisengaging with said ring gear, a locking pin arranged for slidablyengaging and disengaging openings in said table, said pinion and saidpin bein supported for opposite motion to and away from said table, aconstant power source, and means for connecting said power source tosaid driving pinion] 4. An indexing machine comprising in combination [abase having a centrally positioned, upstanding, stationary member, anannular table rotatable about said stationary member and overhangingsaid base and supported thereby], a rotatable table, a ring gear on saidtable, a driving pinion arranged for slidably engaging and disengagingwith said ring gear, a locking pin arranged for slidably engaging anddisengaging openings in said tab-1e, said pinion and said pin beingsupported at opposite ends of a rocker arm and arranged for oppositemotion to and away from said table, a constant power source, and meansfor connecting said power source to said driving pinion, said last namedmeans including a bell crank having a gear segment in constant mesh withsaid pinion, and a cycloidal cam for actuating said segment.

5. An indexing machine comprising in combination, [a base having acentrally positioned, upstanding, stationary member, an annular tablerotatable about said stationary member and overhanging said base andsupported thereby,] a rotatable table, a ring gear on said table, adriving pinion arranged for slidably engaging and disengaging with saidring gear, a locking pin arranged for slidably engaging and disengagingopenings in said table, said pinion and said pin being supported atopposite ends of a rocker arm and arranged for opposite motion to andaway from said table, a [constant] power source, and means forconnecting said power source to said driving pinion, said last namedmeans including a bell crank having a gear segment in constant mesh withsaid pinion, a cycloidal cam for actuating said bell crank, a shaft forrotating said cam, said shaft being driven by a second shaft having anelectric clutch for intermittently connecting it to said [constant]power source.

6. An indexing machine comprising in combination, [a base having astationary central portion, an annular table rotatable about saidcentral portion and overhanging said base] a rotatable table, a ringgear on said table, a pinion arranged to move into and out of engagementwith said ring gear, a pin mounted for opposite movement with respect tothe movement of said pinion and arranged to engage openings in saidtable, a rocker arm for elevating and lowering said pinion and pin, abell crank having a gear segment arranged to engage a gear segment onsaid rocker arm, cams for moving said bell crank, a second bell crankhaving a gear segment in slidable constant mesh with said pinion, camsfor moving said second bell crank, and a shaft for rotating said cams,said last named shaft being driven by a shaft which is arranged forintermittent connection with a constant power source.

[7. The structure of claim 6, in which said stationary central portionis provided with a removable plate, there being bearing elements formedon the outer periphery of said plate and the inner periphery of saidannular table and rotatable bearings contacting said bearing elementsand arranged to rotatably support said annular table] 8. The structureof claim 6, in which the means for comiecting said last named shaft tosaid constant power source include an electrical clutch, and brakeassembly, which is controlled by limit switches arranged to be actuatedupon the completion of each phase of a Work cycle.

(References on following page) 7 8 References Cited in the file of thispatent 1,720,562 Meyers July 9, 1929 "r'fll oflginal patent 2,164,396Foster et a1. July 4, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENTS 4 46 Kingsbury et J1me1941 I 2,423,367 Bolender July 1, 1947 632,905 Swasey et a1 p 1 52,494,538 Baldo Jan. 17, 1950 ,3 i l y ---,---4 p 27, 1910 2,622,487Schultz Dec. 2 ,1952; 48 4 winkley P 25, 1916 2,672,773 Schgfield Mar.23, 1954 1,496,795. Van mc fld 111116 6, 1924 2,754,700 Benjamin July 171956 1,517,730 Veeder Feb. 15, 1927

